Erstwhile

by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn

Daphne and Joy are packing up their father's belongings, while their mother, Louise gets him settled into his new life in memory care. As they pack, they discover the notes their father left around the house to help him remember things and for some reason, the word "erstwhile" is on several of these notes. The sisters remember who their father was and how all that has changed for their family now, due to some...

Daphne and Joy are packing up their father's belongings, while their mother, Louise gets him settled into his new life in memory care. As they pack, they discover the notes their father left around the house to help him remember things and for some reason, the word "erstwhile" is on several of these notes. The sisters remember who their father was and how all that has changed for their family now, due to some nasty beta-amyloid plaques. *11 pgs.

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Erstwhile

Recommended by

  • Matthew Weaver: Erstwhile by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    The Queen of ERSTWHILE!!!
    Floyd-Priskorn delivers a heartfelt, heart-wrenching masterpiece of simplicity. Every word here is underlined with love, and truth. Pure elegance, right down to the final word.

    The Queen of ERSTWHILE!!!
    Floyd-Priskorn delivers a heartfelt, heart-wrenching masterpiece of simplicity. Every word here is underlined with love, and truth. Pure elegance, right down to the final word.

    ”
  • Claudia Haas: Erstwhile by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    Almost everyone will go through this - the packing of belongings of a parent - whether they have passed or moving to a care home and at some point will relate to this family. There is a beauty in this piece (and a new word for beautiful) because this is a loving family so each memory, every object is infused with pain and joy. A scrabble game and little notes with “erstwhile” are so telling and personal, one wants to hug each character and give them light. You know them. You care for them.

    Almost everyone will go through this - the packing of belongings of a parent - whether they have passed or moving to a care home and at some point will relate to this family. There is a beauty in this piece (and a new word for beautiful) because this is a loving family so each memory, every object is infused with pain and joy. A scrabble game and little notes with “erstwhile” are so telling and personal, one wants to hug each character and give them light. You know them. You care for them.

    ”
  • Ryan Kaminski: Erstwhile by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    03/27/2026 - A beautiful piece that is all too relatable to anyone who has had or currently has a loved one with dementia. The play focuses on memories while at the same time giving the audience a gripping drama of the present. Thought-provoking and very moving. Would love to see this staged!

    03/27/2026 - A beautiful piece that is all too relatable to anyone who has had or currently has a loved one with dementia. The play focuses on memories while at the same time giving the audience a gripping drama of the present. Thought-provoking and very moving. Would love to see this staged!

    ”
View all 22 recommendations

Character Information

DAPHNE, female, 30s-50s

JOY, female, 30s-50s

LOUISE, female, 60+
  • Daphne
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • Joy
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • Louise
    60+
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Production History

  • Professional, Edmonds Driftwood Players, Washington, 2026